Bleeding in the Upper/Lower GI

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding describes any bleeding that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. The Gastrointestinal tract extends from the mouth to the anus. Gastrointestinal bleeding is often a sign of a disorder in your digestive tract. The level of bleeding ranges from mild to massive and life-threatening.

The cause of Gastrointestinal bleeding is often difficult to pinpoint, but the development of advanced imaging techniques allows the location of the bleeding to be determined.

The bleeding can originate from any site in the Gastrointestinal tract, but it is divided into:

Upper Gastrointestinal bleeding that can occur between the mouth and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine)

Lower Gastrointestinal bleeding that can occur between the small intestine and the anus

Endoscopy, which is a procedure used to diagnose and treat Gastrointestinal by stopping the bleeding by clipping the bleeding vessels. The procedure uses special instruments with camera and laser attachment.

Treating the cause of the bleeding if it can be identified:

Haemorrhoids can be treated with medication or, in severe cases, with surgery

Infections can be treated with appropriate antibiotics

Proton pump inhibitor therapy can be used to reduce gastric acid secretion and promote healing of bleeding lesions